March Must-Dos

It’s a big, busy metro – here’s where to start

By Steve Gill

► The Birds and the Trees

Through March 23, Myriad Botanical Gardens

It’s already one of the metro’s premier locations for experiencing the beauty of nature; the Myriad Gardens has even more flora and fauna to observe than usual this month, thanks to its display of local artist Skip Hill’s exhibition “Jardin do Amor (Garden of Love).” Inspired by his travels to Brazil, including Rio’s own botanical gardens, Hill’s work bursts with “the rich, vibrant color and energy of daily life” – perfect for chasing off the winter blahs.

► Pieces in Place

March 9, OKC Civic Center

One singer is a soloist, three singers is a trio, many singers is a choir, three choirs is a wonder. Canterbury Voices invites special guests the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and Southwest ACDA Collegiate Honor Choir to share the stage for a Mozart mass and much more in a joint concert called “Mosaic.” The final performance of the Canterbury season, it should be a musical whole even more beautiful than the sum of its parts.

► The Abstract Eye

March 22-April 14, Howell Gallery

When it comes to the work of Santa Fe artist Dick Evans, seeing is interpreting. A longtime educator who’s been creating abstract art for decades, he’s bringing new and intriguing paintings reflecting what he calls “explorations, interpretations and expressions of the world around me and within me … which are ultimately the same.”

► On the Road

March 9-10, Tower Theatre

​The eyes of the music scene are focused on Austin this month – but OKC is a prime place to be, too, thanks to a passel of artists who are gathering to rock out before they head south. The 405 Pitstop is a two-day showcase featuring Trishes, Dead Horses, Helen Kelter Skelter and more, and all their face-rocking music is free.

► Kickstarter Campaign

March 17 and 28, Taft Stadium

It was a heart-pounding playoff run last November, as the OKC Energy FC upset the #2 and #3 seeds before falling by one penalty kick in the USL Western Conference Finals. With spring approaching, the Greens are headed back to the field to build on that success and start a new season, by defending their home turf against the Tulsa Roughnecks March 17 and Orange County SC March 28. (There’s a joke about stretch goals in there somewhere.)